EchoStar Mobile, a subsidiary of EchoStar Corporation (NASDAQ:SATS), has selected Bentley Walker as the first European-wide distributor for its new satellite-based network that will provide reliable, IP-based Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) for voice and data.

written by Chris Chadwick

EchoStar Mobile, a subsidiary of EchoStar Corporation (NASDAQ:SATS), has selected Bentley Walker as the first European-wide distributor for its new satellite-based network that will provide reliable, IP-based Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) for voice and data.

Bentley Walker will distribute equipment and provide service via the new EchoStar XXI satellite which is scheduled to be launched later this month. The S-band satellite will provide coverage throughout Europe, including all 28 members of the European Union.

EchoStar subsidiary Hughes Network Systems (Hughes) has designed and manufactured a portable data terminal (PDT) which will serve as an MSS hotspot supporting advanced IP services, and providing 3G/4G-compatible voice and data services.

Anders Johnson, executive director of EchoStar Mobile and president of EchoStar Satellite Services, said: “We’re delighted to announce our partnership with Bentley Walker on this key project. Working with an experienced partner gives us immediate access to the growing MSS market, and Bentley Walker has all the capabilities to market and distribute the new EchoStar Mobile PDT and service platform across Europe. Bentley Walker has been a partner with our Hughes subsidiary for more than a decade now and we are very excited about the next stage of this relationship.”

One of the key features of the PDT, which will be able to provide connectivity across Europe, is its ability to offer separate and diverse connectivity in remote locations or where back up is needed in an environment where terrestrial or cellular networks may have failed.

Anthony Walker, CEO of Bentley Walker, said: “We are very excited about this service. There is a demand by organisations that require a completely separate and diverse pan-European communications network infrastructure. EchoStar Mobile can provide connectivity for critical applications and in case of failure, core infrastructure communications for users who require quick and simple connectivity wherever they are”.